Kubiak Extends Raiders QB Battle: ‘We Got Another Week’
Raiders Coach Keeps Quarterback Competition Wide Open After Preseason Win
What Happened in Houston
The Las Vegas Raiders beat the Houston Texans 22-20 in a preseason game on Thursday night. But the biggest story wasn’t the final score — it was what happened before the game even started.
Important Point: Head coach Klint Kubiak refused to name a starting quarterback for the regular season, even after seeing his options play.
The Quarterback Situation: Three Guys, One Job
Right now, three quarterbacks are fighting for the starting spot:
| Quarterback | Experience | What Happened Thursday |
|---|---|---|
| Kirk Cousins | 13-year NFL veteran | Sat on the sideline (only 1 drive in 2 preseason games) |
| Fernando Mendoza | Rookie (first-year player) | Started and played the entire first half |
| Aidan O’Connell | 2nd-year player | Played the entire second half |
Why Did the Veterans Sit Out?
You might wonder: Why would the team’s best players watch from the sidelines?
Coach Kubiak explained:
- The team treated Tuesday’s joint practice with the Texans like a real game
- Several starters got their "game work" done at practice
- Kubiak wants nobody to feel comfortable — competition makes everyone better
Important Point: Starters who sat out included:
- Maxx Crosby (star defensive end)
- Ashton Jeanty (running back)
- Brock Bowers (tight end)
- Kolton Miller (left tackle)
How the Rookie Did: Fernando Mendoza’s Debut
Mendoza got his first NFL start — and it was a roller coaster.
The Bad
- Opening drive disaster: Threw a pick-six (interception returned for touchdown)
- From Houston’s 24-yard line
- Linebacker Wade Woodaz jumped the route and ran 80 yards for a TD
- Mendoza admitted: "It was not a good throw. We weren’t on the same page."
- Second pick-six in a week: Also threw one during Tuesday’s joint practice
- Struggled with rookie WR Malik Benson:
- Benson dropped a 3rd-down pass
- Another pass to Benson was broken up by cornerback Tremon Smith
- Under pressure: Sacked once, pressured 6 times
The Okay
- Stats: 8 of 15 passes (53%), 86 yards, 1 interception
- Longest completion: 22 yards to Jalen Nailor
- Played 5 drives in the first half
What Mendoza Learned
"The margin for error is small in the NFL. One slip-up could lead to a catastrophe."
He knows he needs to move better in the pocket — stepping up or side-to-side to buy time.
The Backup Steps Up: Aidan O’Connell
While Mendoza struggled early, O’Connell saved the game:
- Played the entire 4th quarter
- 166 passing yards
- Scored the go-ahead rushing touchdown in the final seconds
- Led the team to a 22-20 win
What This Means for the Regular Season
The Coach’s Plan
Kubiak told the team his plan for Weeks 1, 2, and 3 of preseason — but kept it internal (secret from the public).
What We Know
- Competition is REAL — Kubiak: "It should always be that way for all positions."
- One more preseason game — Final chance to prove themselves
- Regular season starts soon — Decision coming very soon
Step-by-Step: How QB Competitions Usually Work
- Offseason: Coaches evaluate everyone in practice
- Preseason Game 1: Veterans often sit; rookies/backups play lots
- Preseason Game 2: Starters might play a quarter or half
- Preseason Game 3: "Dress rehearsal" — starters play most of first half
- Final Decision: Coach names starter before Week 1 of regular season
- Preseason Game 4: Backups fight for roster spots
Important Point: The Raiders are between steps 3 and 4 — one game left to decide!
Summary
- Raiders beat Texans 22-20 in preseason
- Coach Kubiak won’t name starting QB yet — wants competition to continue
- Kirk Cousins (veteran) sat out — only 1 drive all preseason
- Rookie Fernando Mendoza started — threw pick-six on first drive, finished 8/15 for 86 yards
- Aidan O’Connell led game-winning drive — 166 yards, go-ahead TD run
- Key starters rested after treating joint practice as a game
- One preseason game remains before final decision
FAQ
Who is currently the favorite to start Week 1?
Nobody knows for sure. Coach Kubiak is keeping it a secret on purpose. All three QBs (Cousins, Mendoza, O’Connell) still have a chance.
Why did Kirk Cousins barely play if he’s the veteran?
The coaching staff already knows what Cousins can do — he’s played 13 NFL seasons. They want to evaluate the younger guys in real game situations.
What is a "pick-six"?
A pick-six is when a quarterback throws an interception, and the defensive player catches it and runs it all the way into the end zone for a touchdown. It’s the worst possible play for a QB.
Does this mean Fernando Mendoza played badly?
Not necessarily. He’s a rookie making his first start. He made rookie mistakes (the pick-six, holding the ball too long), but also showed poise by bouncing back. Coach Kubiak said he has "a lot of learning to do" — which is normal for a first-year player.
When will we know who the starter is?
Very soon. The Raiders have one more preseason game, then the regular season starts. Coach Kubiak will almost certainly announce the starter before the first real game counts.